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BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat) #1: How Does It Help You?
Do you want to know the purpose of a metronome and how to read it? A metronome helps you find the tempo of a song in beats per minute (bpm). Also, it helps you practice by clicking at a (user adjustable) speed. So, that way you can play along with (for example) the tempo moderato on the metronome. Keep reading BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat) to learn the various ways it can help.
To try one free online: click here.
This post uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the article.
BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat) #2: A Quick History
In the early 1800s, Johann Maelzel marketed a mechanical device, which he based on a similar invention by Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel.
- Maelzel’s metronome tracked music beats using a numerical scale printed on the device.
- For example, an allegro tempo would be printed on the metronome as would the beats per minute numbers. (See the picture below for an example.)
- Maelzel gave one to Beethoven, who hated it. However, Beethoven changed his mind and included bpm markings in the scores for his later symphonies.
Before this time, the tempo markings were just descriptions giving the performers an imprecise idea of how fast they should play.
Mobile users: for best results seeing the picture, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat) #3: What Does Beats per Minute Mean?
If you look at an analog clock, the second hand clicks 60 times in a minute.
- This is the same as 60 beats per minute.
- That means that the clock can function as a very simple musical chronometer, which is limited to only 60 beats per minute.
- You’ll notice that the beats per minute scale printed on the metronome has a range of bpm speeds for each tempo marking.
- For instance, an allegro tempo on one metronome I own has a range of 120 to 160 bpm.
- However, a different one I own has allegro as being between 154 and 180 bpm.
This means that these ranges are just suggestions, and you should experiment to see which tempo you like best.
BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat) #4: How Do I Get the Right Metronome Music Beat for a Song?
How do you get the right metronome music beat for a song? If you’re reading sheet music, you’ll find the tempo marks in the upper left corner on the first page of a score:
- Presto (170-200 bpm)
- Allegro (120-170 bpm)
- Moderato (100-120 bpm)
- Andante (75-100 bpm)
- Adagio (60-75 bpm)
- Largo (40-60 bpm)
So, for example, you’d match the allegro tempo mark in the score with one of the allegro tempo metronome bpm marks.
- In the same location in the score, you’ll sometimes find a specific bpm indicated or even a bpm range. (See the picture below for an example.)
- What do you do if you’re trying to figure out the beats per minute of a song you’re listening to?
- Tap the pulse of the song until you can match it with a tempo on your device.
Alternately, you can use an online resource to find the song’s metronome music beat, such as:
BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat) #5: How Do I Use it For Practicing?
How do you use it for practicing? A metronome is an invaluable tool to help experienced musicians practice. However, for young students I suggest a teacher use a pointer instead:
Here are some tips for practicing your metronome music beats:
- Start at a slow tempo.
- Focus on playing accurately.
- Slowly increase the bpm rate.
- If you hit a snag, practice at the tempo where the mistakes started happening.
- Gradually work up to your target tempo. Then, play a little beyond it, so you’ll be comfortable playing at your target tempo.
If you do this, you’ll be playing an allegro tempo with the metronome in no time.
BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat) #6: Final Thoughts
Here’s a summary of BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat):
- The purpose of a metronome is to accurately mark time.
- You do this by setting how many times it clicks in a minute.
- Before the metronome’s invention, tempo marks were more loosely interpreted.
- You can use the device to figure out how to play the tempo you got from sheet music or from a song you’re listening to.
- Also, it’s excellent for helping you practice.
Have fun playing!
Related Posts
- I’m Having a Hard Time Keeping a Steady Beat
- Reading Music (A Quick Guide to How to Read Music)
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
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